The book features a collection of 22 oversized daguerreotypes, showcasing Chuck Close's artist-friends, including notable figures like Cindy Sherman and Philip Glass. Collaborating with daguerreotype expert Jerry Spagnoli, Close captures stunningly detailed images that reflect the gravity of the medium. Each photograph is paired with a poem by Bob Holman, enriching the portrayal of Close's influential circle. This work serves as both a captivating group portrait and an exploration of the complexities of photography, accompanied by a traveling exhibition starting in November 2006.
F.B. Meyer, a significant figure in early 20th-century Britain, led one of the first mega-churches despite his unassuming nature and lack of dramatic flair. His life, chronicled for the first time, reveals a multifaceted individual: a preacher, writer, social activist, and Baptist president who engaged thousands through his humble yet impactful ministry. Meyer's commitment to his faith was profound, as he expressed a desire to dedicate multiple lives to Christ's service, reflecting his extensive influence and dedication to missionary work and community outreach.
Keir Hardie, a pivotal figure in the early Labour Party, served as its first parliamentary leader and became its most prominent representative at the turn of the 19th century. Despite being honored as Labour's 'Greatest Hero' in 2008, his remarkable journey and contributions have faded from public memory, highlighting the need to revisit and celebrate his legacy in the context of the party's history.
The narrative explores a transformative moment in the life of a poet, as he captures a performance by Jitendra, who recites a poem in Hindi inspired by Ginsberg. This experience highlights the intersection of art and spirituality, suggesting a pivotal shift from a drug-fueled lifestyle to a quest for deeper meaning. The setting in India adds a rich cultural backdrop, emphasizing the significance of local influences on the poet's journey. Through vivid imagery and personal reflections, the journals reveal the profound connections between creativity and enlightenment.
Focusing on the lives of six inspirational figures, the book explores their impactful contributions to the welfare of disadvantaged children. Through documentary research and extensive interviews, it weaves personal narratives with broader societal issues, highlighting the connections between poverty, inequality, and child care policy. This insightful examination sheds light on the challenges faced by vulnerable youth and the efforts made to improve their circumstances.
Daguerreotypien gehören eigentlich ins frühe 19. Jahrhundert, in die Kindertage der Photographie. 1839 stellte Louis Daguerre die Ergebnisse seiner Experimente der französischen Akademie der Wissenschaften vor: kleinformatige, aber brillant scharfe Portraits auf silberbeschichteten Kupferplatten, die wegen ihrer Lichtempfindlichkeit in samtenen Schatullen aufbewahrt werden mußten. Es sind kostbare Unikate, denn eine Daguerreotypie läßt sich nicht vervielfältigen. Einen Künstler wie Chuck Close (geb. 1940), den seit der documenta 1972 bekanntesten und wohl höchstbezahlten Photorealisten Amerikas, mußte dieses Verfahren reizen, das so auratische Bilder hervorbringt. Gnadenlos detailgenau, magisch lichtintensiv und eine Herausforderung für das Modell, das mindestens zwei Minuten stillhalten muß, ist die Daguerreotypie für Chuck Close die intimste, am wenigsten vermittelte oder verfälschte Art eines Dialogs. In enger Zusammenarbeit mit dem Lyriker Bob Holman (geb. 1948) entstand in den letzten Jahren diese Sammlung von Künstlerportraits und Gedichten. Bilder und Worte ergänzen einander zu ungewöhnlich intensiven Charakterstudien gemeinsamer Freunde und prominenter Vertreter der zeitgenössischen Kunstszene, darunter Cindy Sherman, Laurie Anderson, Philip Glass, Kiki Smith, James Turrell und Robert Wilson.
